10779134

Method of Sending Messages to Devices Not Configured to Receive Them

PublishedSeptember 15, 2020
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Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
10 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A system capable of receiving a message from a sending device executing a messaging application and capable of sending a message notification alert to a recipient, comprising: a message server comprising a processor and memory that stores computer executable code instructing the processor to perform steps comprising: a. receiving the message from the sending device executing the messaging application, the message containing recipient address information provided by the sending device; b. determining, based on recipient address information, whether the recipient is associated with a recipient device having the messaging application; c. if the recipient is associated with a recipient device having the messaging application, then transmitting the message to be received via the messaging application; and d. if the recipient is not associated with a recipient device having the messaging application, transmitting the message notification alert to the recipient via an alternate communications method other than via the messaging application, wherein the message notification alert is generated using a template and includes at least a portion of the message, and the message notification alert comprises a link to view the message, wherein the link is to a web based interface supplied by the message server allowing the sending device and recipient to participate in a real-time conversation and wherein the conversation comprises a plurality of messages from the sending device or from the recipient in a single view.

Plain English Translation

Messaging systems and methods for delivering messages. The invention addresses the problem of ensuring message delivery and notification when a recipient may not have a specific messaging application installed. A message server is described, equipped with a processor and memory. This server is configured to receive a message from a sending device that is running a messaging application. The message includes recipient address information. The server then determines if the specified recipient is associated with a device that also has the messaging application installed. If the recipient's device has the messaging application, the message is transmitted directly to be received through that application. However, if the recipient's device does not have the messaging application, the server generates and transmits a message notification alert to the recipient using an alternative communication method, not through the messaging application itself. This notification alert is created using a template and includes at least part of the original message. Crucially, the alert contains a link to a web-based interface. This interface, provided by the message server, allows both the sender and the recipient to engage in a real-time conversation. This conversation is presented in a single view, displaying multiple messages from either the sender or the recipient.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the web based interface ends access to the message by the recipient after a specified number of views of the message via the web interface.

Plain English Translation

A system for secure message delivery and access control involves a web-based interface that allows a sender to transmit a message to a recipient. The system ensures that the message is accessible only through the web interface, preventing unauthorized access or distribution. The recipient can view the message via the web interface, but access is restricted based on predefined conditions. Specifically, the system terminates access to the message after the recipient views it a specified number of times. This ensures that the message can only be viewed a limited number of times, enhancing security and control over message dissemination. The system may also include additional features such as authentication mechanisms to verify the recipient's identity before granting access. The web-based interface may further include options for the sender to set the number of allowed views, ensuring flexibility in access control. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where sensitive information must be shared securely, such as in business communications, legal documents, or confidential correspondence.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising receiving an authentication requirement, and restricting access by the recipient to the message until the authentication requirement is met by the recipient.

Plain English Translation

A system for secure message delivery involves transmitting an encrypted message from a sender to a recipient, where the message is encrypted using a cryptographic key derived from a shared secret known to both the sender and recipient. The system ensures that only the intended recipient can decrypt and access the message. Additionally, the system can enforce authentication requirements before granting access to the message. For example, the recipient may need to provide a password, biometric data, or complete a multi-factor authentication process before the message is decrypted and displayed. This ensures that even if the encrypted message is intercepted, unauthorized parties cannot access its contents without meeting the authentication requirements. The system may also include a key management module to securely generate, store, and distribute cryptographic keys, ensuring that the shared secret remains confidential. The authentication mechanism can be integrated with the decryption process, preventing unauthorized access until the recipient verifies their identity. This approach enhances security by combining encryption with authentication, protecting sensitive communications from unauthorized access.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the web based interface further comprises an invitation to the recipient to download the messaging application.

Plain English Translation

A system provides a web-based interface for sending and receiving messages, particularly for users who do not have a dedicated messaging application installed. The system allows a sender to compose a message and send it to a recipient via a web-based interface, where the message is displayed in a web browser without requiring the recipient to install any software. The system also includes a notification mechanism to alert the recipient of the incoming message, which can be accessed through a web link. The web-based interface further includes an invitation for the recipient to download and install a dedicated messaging application, enhancing the user experience by transitioning from a web-based interaction to a more feature-rich application environment. This system addresses the problem of message accessibility for users who lack the necessary software, ensuring seamless communication while encouraging the adoption of a dedicated application for improved functionality. The system may also include additional features such as message encryption, read receipts, and integration with other communication platforms to enhance security and usability.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the message notification alert further comprises a field of information relating to the message.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing message notifications in communication platforms addresses the challenge of providing users with relevant and actionable information when receiving alerts. The system enhances traditional notification mechanisms by incorporating additional contextual data within the message alert itself, improving user awareness and decision-making. The core system includes a notification generator that processes incoming messages and extracts key details such as sender information, message priority, and content summaries. These details are then integrated into a structured notification alert, which is transmitted to the user's device. The notification alert includes a dedicated field for supplementary information, such as message excerpts, urgency indicators, or metadata like timestamps or sender status. This additional field ensures users can quickly assess the importance and context of the message without opening it, reducing interruptions and improving efficiency. The system may also support customization options, allowing users to define which types of information are included in the notification alerts based on their preferences or workflow requirements. By embedding relevant details directly into the notification, the system streamlines communication workflows and enhances user productivity in both personal and professional settings.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the field comprises information relating to ephemeral limitations on reading the message.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing message access includes a field that specifies temporary restrictions on reading a message. The system allows users to send messages with time-limited access, ensuring that recipients can only view the content for a predefined duration before it becomes inaccessible. This feature enhances privacy and security by preventing unauthorized or prolonged access to sensitive information. The system may also include additional fields for message content, sender and recipient identifiers, and encryption settings to further control access. The ephemeral limitations can be defined by a timer, expiration date, or other time-based conditions, ensuring that messages self-destruct or become unreadable after the specified period. This approach is particularly useful in secure communication platforms, enterprise messaging, or applications requiring temporary data sharing. The system may also include notification mechanisms to alert users when a message is about to expire or has already expired, ensuring awareness of the time-sensitive nature of the content. By integrating these features, the system provides a robust solution for managing temporary access to digital messages while maintaining data security and user privacy.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the field comprises one or more of a sender indicator and a recipient indicator.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing data fields in a communication or data processing system. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently organize and identify data fields to ensure proper routing, processing, or display of information. The system includes a data field that contains one or more indicators, such as a sender indicator and a recipient indicator. These indicators help specify the origin and destination of the data, improving accuracy in data handling. The sender indicator identifies the source of the data, while the recipient indicator specifies the intended destination. This allows the system to automatically route data to the correct recipient or process it according to predefined rules. The system may also include additional components, such as a data processing module that interprets the indicators to determine actions like forwarding, filtering, or modifying the data. The indicators can be embedded within the field or stored separately but linked to the field. This approach enhances data management by ensuring that data is correctly identified and processed based on its origin and destination. The system is particularly useful in environments where data must be routed or processed dynamically, such as in messaging systems, databases, or networked applications.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sending device sends a second message in the conversation and wherein a second message notification alert, relating to the second message, is sent via the alternate communications method.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a messaging system that enhances user awareness of incoming messages by utilizing an alternate communications method to deliver message notifications. The system addresses the problem of missed messages in primary messaging applications, particularly when users are not actively monitoring their devices or when notifications are silenced. The system includes a sending device and a receiving device engaged in a conversation. The sending device transmits a message to the receiving device, and a message notification alert is sent via an alternate communications method, such as SMS, email, or a secondary app, to inform the user of the incoming message. The alternate communications method is distinct from the primary messaging application, ensuring that the notification reaches the user even if the primary app is inactive or notifications are disabled. The system further includes a second message sent by the sending device in the conversation, and a second message notification alert is also sent via the alternate communications method. This ensures consistent notification delivery for subsequent messages, improving user engagement and reducing the likelihood of missed communications. The system may also include features such as user preferences for notification methods, message prioritization, and integration with multiple communication channels to enhance flexibility and reliability.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the alternate communications method is an SMS messaging method.

Plain English Translation

A system for enhancing communication reliability in electronic devices addresses the problem of maintaining connectivity when primary communication channels fail. The system includes a primary communication method, such as Wi-Fi or cellular data, and an alternate communication method that activates when the primary method is unavailable. The alternate method ensures continuous communication by switching to a different protocol or network. In this specific implementation, the alternate communication method is an SMS messaging method, which leverages the Short Message Service protocol to transmit data when other communication channels are disrupted. The system monitors the status of the primary communication method and automatically triggers the SMS messaging method when a failure or degradation is detected. This ensures that critical messages or data are still delivered even in low-bandwidth or unstable network conditions. The SMS messaging method may include formatting data into SMS-compatible messages, handling message segmentation, and managing delivery confirmations to ensure reliability. The system may also include user notifications or logs to inform users of the switch to SMS communication. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where primary communication channels are unreliable, such as in remote areas or during network outages.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the alternate communications method is an email messaging method.

Plain English Translation

A system for enhancing communication reliability in electronic devices addresses the problem of failed or interrupted data transmissions due to network instability or device limitations. The system includes a primary communication method and an alternate communication method to ensure message delivery when the primary method fails. The alternate communication method is specifically an email messaging method, which provides a secondary channel for transmitting data when the primary method is unavailable. The system monitors the status of the primary communication method and automatically switches to the email messaging method if a transmission failure is detected. This ensures that critical data is not lost and can be reliably delivered even under adverse network conditions. The email messaging method may include features such as message queuing, retry mechanisms, and encryption to further enhance reliability and security. The system is particularly useful in environments where communication stability is uncertain, such as remote monitoring, IoT devices, or enterprise applications where uninterrupted data flow is essential. By integrating an email-based fallback, the system provides a robust solution for maintaining communication continuity in diverse operational scenarios.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

September 15, 2020

Inventors

Brad Brooks
Sumeet Bhatia
Sean Whiteley

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Method of Sending Messages to Devices Not Configured to Receive Them